Lyon admit Benzema could go

18 Jun 2009 11:45:27

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas admits he could be powerless to prevent Karim Benzema leaving this summer.
The France international is among Europe's hottest properties at the moment, with a host of clubs keen to lure him away from Stade Gerland.
The likes of Inter Milan and Real Madrid are reported to have expressed an interest in the talented 21-year-old, while Manchester United could be persuaded to re-invest some of the money they have generated from the sale of Cristiano Ronaldo on the highly-rated frontman.
Lyon insist they will do all they can to keep Benzema in France, but accept that a big-money offer could take matters out of their hands.
"Karim has said that he wants to stay another year at Lyon," Aulas told L'Equipe.
"But I think that Kaka or Ronaldo maybe imagined remaining with their respective clubs.
"There is a tsunami called Real Madrid which provokes reactions at Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United.
"So it is very complicated to say that he is non-transferable. Today, it's obvious we want to keep him.
"There is more chance he'll be at Lyon next season than that he won't be.
"I won't hide from you the fact that he has been approached. For the moment, I managed to convince them not to go further."
Meanwhile, Lyon have confirmed that long-serving Brazilian midfielder Juninho has signed a two-year deal with Qatari champions Al-Garrafa.
The classy South American has spent the last eight years in France but feels it is time to take on a new challenge.